Hi! My family and I are not staying at a Disney hotel, but the hotel offers a shuttle that starts one hour before the MK opens. Are there long lines at the Transportation station in the early morning? Is it smarter to drive ourselves to beat the crowd?”

Hi Kelly,

Thank you for sending your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation is a lot of fun, I am glad you are taking the time to plan out even the smaller details. Having a plan will for transportation make your visit even more magical.

Most shuttles will drop guests off at the Transportation and Ticket Center and from there you will be able to take a Monorail or the Ferry across to Magic Kingdom Park. Since it is the morning and the busiest time at the Transportation and Ticket Center, it won't make that much difference if you drive your self or take the shuttle. An hour prior to park opening is plenty of time to get to Magic Kingdom. Please keep in mind that there will be an additional cost to park on site, so it may be more cost efficient to take your hotel shuttle. Additionally, if you are parking, there is an increase in traffic flow prior to park opening, so you may have to wait longer to pay for parking, find a spot, wait for the tram to take you to the front of the Transportation and Ticket Center and finally transfer to the Ferry or Monorail.

Whichever you choose, Disney has large crowds down to a science. You will not have to wait very long at the Transportation and Ticket Center regardless if you choose to drive or take the shuttle; the Ferry and Monorail are able to move a large number of guests safely to the Magic Kingdom quickly.

I hope you have a magical time at Walt Disney World Resort, Kelly. Please let us know if you have any other questions, we are always happy to help.

Meet the Panelist: Stephanie, Ontario

I'm a Canadian mom with so many wonderful memories at Walt Disney World Resort! I would love to use my experience in traveling with toddlers, children, tweens and guests with limited mobility to help others experience all the magic Disney has to offer.Learn More About Stephanie

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